Our Story
The Velvet Jungle About us
We’re so glad you’re here at The Velvet Jungle, a small, one-person-run brick-and-mortar business built on a deep love for nature and nurturing. Whether you’re seeking rare and common houseplants or a touch of luxury with our handmade body butter, this is a space where you and your plants can truly thrive.
Our story began in 2014, when I fell head over heels for houseplants. My tiny apartment became a lush oasis, housing over 100 thriving plants that brought life and joy to every corner.
By 2019, my passion had grown into a dream of opening a plant shop right out of my apartment. But when the world changed in 2020, I put my plans on hold, doubting whether plants would still bring joy in such uncertain times. Little did I know, the world was about to embrace greenery like never before! The plant industry bloomed into a multi-billion-dollar phenomenon, proving that our connection to nature is more important than ever.
Now, I’m proud to bring that dream to life with The Velvet Jungle, a small brick-and-mortar business run by one passionate plant lover. Specializing in houseplants—from the common to the rare—our collection is curated to bring beauty and vitality to your home. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your journey, we’re here to help you cultivate your own indoor jungle.
But that’s not all. At The Velvet Jungle, we believe self-care is as important as plant care. That’s why we’re thrilled to share our homemade whipped body butter, crafted with love and pure ingredients like beef tallow, jojoba oil, olive oil, and essential oils. It’s a little piece of luxury to nurture yourself as you nurture your plants.
If you're seeking a specific plant or custom body butter blend, feel free to reach out—I'd be happy to help you find the perfect addition to your collection or create your ideal moisturizer.
Thank you for visiting The Velvet Jungle. Whether you’re shopping for your next green companion or indulging in our body butter, we’re honored to be part of your journey. Let’s grow together!
Jess
Owner
Hey there! I’m Jess, the plant-obsessed soul behind The Velvet Jungle. My love for all things green began in 2014, and I’ve been happily surrounded by foliage ever since. If you ever need me, you’ll probably find me hiking, snapping photos in the woods, or frolicking in nature—because why not?
When I’m not busy growing plants, I’m chasing after my brilliant 8-year-old daughter, who is basically a mini-me… except way cooler and way faster! I’m lucky enough to help coach her wrestling team, bringing all the lessons I learned from Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling into the mix. I trained and competed in BJJ from 2013 to 2022, where I picked up wrestling after a few years.
In my past life, I was heavy in the car scene and enjoyed drift competitions and car shows. I did my fair share of racing and owning cars like my beloved 86' Supra MKII (still my favorite), an 08 WRX STI, 00 Miata, 88 Prelude AWS, and 88 Conquest TSI.
Along with plants, I have a deep love for nature photography. I’m a self-taught hobbyist photographer, capturing everything from tiny moss worlds and insects to sweeping landscapes and wildlife. If you're curious, you can check out my photography on Instagram @forest_frolickingjess.
Now, I’m here, combining my love for plants with the thrill of sharing nature’s beauty with others—that’s where you come in! Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, I’m excited to help you bring a little green into your life and turn your space into an oasis. Let’s grow, learn, and have some fun along the way!
